Congolese Wood Female Figure

Honey brown, almond eyes, and a crack from eye to cheek that nobody has tried to hide.

This woman from the Republic of Congo was carved in wood in the 20th century. Figures like her were made for use in the home and in ceremony. The head is carefully modeled, with a smooth domed crown, an incised hairline, and almond-shaped eyes under a delicately cut brow. The nose is straight, the lips slightly parted, the ears full and prominent.

The patina is warm, darker in the recesses. Ten inches tall. She’ll hold your gaze, at least as long as you hold hers.